Advanced riding

Mr Pants! · I Karma Joined: 29 May 2004 Karma :

I am thinking about looking into doing some advanced riding courses.

How many of you have done this? Also has it really helped, made you more confident etc?
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Mr Pants! (Alex or Al)
Its better to burn out, than to fade away....

Mr C · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Feb 2003 Karma :

Personally I can't recommend it enough. I will be doing my Rospa test in July after years of procrastinating about it.

Frankly the idea of pootling around at the correct speed limits with a bearded, pan euro riding, dayglo vest puts people off but really it shouldn't

what "the system" does is make you think about hazards well in advance and plan what you are going to do about them - sounds obvious doesn't it

amazingly, when you are "on it" on an advanced ride and focused and really concentrating on all the elements of positioning, observation, planning, cornering etc. etc. I quite often find that speed is just not an issue as there is just too much going on to ride much above the speed limit and still have time to process all the information. The ability to ride faster, smoother, safer comes with practise of applying the system to your everyday riding

I also think it is a delicious irony that I can ride a 200mph (well ok 198) bike on the strip at the weekend, then put the mirrors back on and go prove a completely different skill on the road

I'm sure TC will have something to say in much better words than I can use but basically "what the hell have you got to lose" sums it up pretty well...

your local Rospa or IAM group will train you for free so go on, give it a go - I have been riding for the best part of 20 years and I was amazed at the amount of stuff I was missing which a few hours with police riders and advanced instructors have filled in
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187.3bhp = 201mph

Mr Pants! · I Karma Joined: 29 May 2004 Karma :

Thats really interesting and exactly how I woudl picture the advanced riding schools to be.

So where local to Berkshire are there the police training ones that are free?
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Mr Pants! (Alex or Al)
Its better to burn out, than to fade away....

Mr C · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Feb 2003 Karma :

https://www.rospa.com/drivertraining/roada/groups/index.htm

find it here

go on

do it

I promise you will not regret it
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187.3bhp = 201mph

Mr C · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Feb 2003 Karma :

also, many Police forces run (or at least used to run) the euphamistically titled "observed rides" where you can ride out with a Police rider on his marked bike

he won't be able to "teach" you as such but will offer comments on how to improve your riding and other useful snippets such as what they consider tolerable riding, wher eto look for mobile speed traps etc.

and they are remarkably tolerant of "making progress" as long as you can show that you are first and foremost SAFE

try your local traffic division

or alternatively if you see a bike cop by the side of the road, stop for a chat and ask him if he will ride for a bit and comment on your riding - what the hell, they enjoy riding bikes as much as we do and are usually grateful for the opportunity to help someone instead of being a pain in the arse Rolling Eyes

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187.3bhp = 201mph

Mr C · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Feb 2003 Karma :

and another thing

(sorry, pet subject Rolling Eyes

)

a Rospa Gold pass (highest civillian qualification) will net you substantial insurance discounts and even if this is the ONLY reason you go for it, you will still learn a lot Wink

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187.3bhp = 201mph

T.C · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Nov 2003 Karma :

carvell · Scuttler Joined: 05 Sep 2003 Karma :

https://www.bikesafe-london.co.uk/

Not free, but for £25 for the day including lunch, it's as good as.

The day includes presentations and a ride out with the police who offer you tips on your riding and things like that.

It's not an official riding qualification, but it's a damn good idea.

https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=19647
Grooves' review there.
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Yamaha TDM 850

T.C · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Nov 2003 Karma :

carvell · Scuttler Joined: 05 Sep 2003 Karma :

Yes sorry I was aware that it was only a guidance course to pick up a few tips with, not an advanced riding course.

Should have made that clearer!
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Yamaha TDM 850

headlamp · World Chat Champion Joined: 26 Nov 2003 Karma :

I did Bike Safe two weeks ago. It cost £35 and is subsidised by Transport for London. I would agree that it is a taster for more advanced courses and I am definitely thinking of doing the RoSPA course.

Bikesafe gives an insight into the psyche of a Met Traffic cop; what they allow and don't like. I was continually castigated by my policeman for not going fast enough and not taking enough risks! Interesting! He did think however that my filtering was the best he had seen for a while though!

Some of the theory stuff is interesting and after the day was finished and in my subsequent rides I have felt that my level of competence has increased. I also have noticed that I ride smoother, anticipating situations.

I reckon it is worth doing it and then seeing if you want to go on and do something more intensive.

H
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Using a mobile phone while driving a car should be made a capital offence!

Mr Pants! · I Karma Joined: 29 May 2004 Karma :

Mr C · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Feb 2003 Karma :

they are only human

what's the worst they will do?

say "no sorry mate, I'm busy"

more likely they will be happy to have a chat if nowt else
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187.3bhp = 201mph

Mr Pants! · I Karma Joined: 29 May 2004 Karma :

True, just normally have my black visor on, wonder if they would notice. Cool

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Mr Pants! (Alex or Al)
Its better to burn out, than to fade away....